Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge open after 8 years of construction

The bridge will create a trail connection between South and Southwest Philadelphia, growing the Schuylkill River Trail.

The Details

The long-awaited Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge has opened after eight years of construction, and seventeen years of planning.

The Streets Department of Transportation (StreetsDOT), Schuylkill River Development Corporation, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation held a ribbon cutting Nov. 13 to celebrate its completion.

Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10.

WATCH HERE

The 415-foot-long bridge connects South and Southwest Philadelphia and links the larger Schuylkill River Train to an addition 1.5 miles through Bartram's Garden, ending north of 61st Street.

“We are connecting Philadelphia to park space, healthy active recreation, safe off-street transportation, and our city’s own history “, said Carlton Williams, Managing Director of the Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. “Whether it’s a new car-free commute, after work run, or weekend adventure for the kids. Making Philadelphia safer, cleaner, and greener, with economic opportunity for all, starts by creating new and convenient options for everyone to participate.”

The Schuylkill Crossing Swing Bridge is currently the only operational swing bridge dedicated to trail use in the nation.

River traffic demand will determine how frequently the Swing Bridge will need to be opened, and the trail temporarily closed. StreetDOT says they anticipate brief monthly closures for inspections.

Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.

First Alert Weather

Bundle up! Cold, gusty weekend ahead before temperatures climb University City South Concourse at 30th Street Station reopens after major renovation StreetDOT and the U.S. Coast guard will coordinate opening the bridge for maritime traffic.

This river crossing grows Philadelphia's trail network, the regional Circuit Trails network, and the national East Coast Greenway.

The first recorded river crossing at this location was a ferry operated bin the 1600s and early 1700s. The first bridge - a pontoon bridge - was built in its place in 1777 but was replaced by the Newkirk Viaduct in 1838. in1902, the original swing bridge was installed, replacing the viaduct until 1976.